In a surprising turn, former Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky may be preparing to leave ESPN’s NFL analyst team.
During his appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” Monday morning, Orlovsky dropped a bombshell, announcing that he would be stepping away from TV “for a long time.” He also took a moment to express his gratitude to Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Shannon Sharpe for their collaboration over the course of the NFL season.
“You guys know this is the end of the season for me… I’m taking a break. Won’t be on TV for a long time,” Orlovsky said. “Just wanted to say thank you to you guys – Stephen A., Molly, Shannon – for a great season. Love being with you guys and love y’all.”
He added, “Never know what the future holds, but I’m taking a break… just want to say thank you. Appreciate you guys so much.”
The message left many fans wondering if this was truly a permanent departure. One fan even speculated on social media about Orlovsky leaving ESPN, prompting the analyst to respond ambiguously. “Lotta decisions to be made,” he wrote. “See what happens. I’m grateful for it all.”
If Orlovsky’s departure from ESPN is indeed permanent, he would follow in the footsteps of other familiar faces who were let go by the network in recent months. Last August, ESPN unexpectedly fired football analyst and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, along with NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder.
Orlovsky had a 12-year NFL career (2005-2017), largely serving as a backup quarterback. His most notable stint was with the Detroit Lions, where he spent seven years, starting seven games during the team’s infamous winless 2008 season. Over his tenure with the Lions, Orlovsky posted an 0-7 record, a 55.1% completion rate, 1,880 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
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Lions WR Forced to Withdraw from Pro Bowl After Injury
There will be no blue hair at the Pro Bowl this year after all.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has withdrawn from the event this weekend due to injury, and will be replaced by Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, as announced by the Giants.
This means that the talented Detroit receiver, who posted 115 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards to earn his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, will not be attending the annual event in Orlando.
St. Brown becomes the second Lions player to back out of the Pro Bowl. Earlier this week, offensive lineman Penei Sewell also withdrew, with fellow lineman Taylor Decker stepping in as his replacement.
However, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Frank Ragnow, Brian Branch, and Jack Fox are still set to participate, along with Decker.
The Pro Bowl games are scheduled to take place from Thursday through Sunday, featuring a skills competition and a flag football game.
